Band Saw

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
jyreene

jyreene

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
1,476
Location
Overseas location
This one is kind of in conjunction with my Kickstarter thread here:
http://www.penturners.org/forum/f18/kickstarter-111835/

First a bit of background. I do have a task force 9 inch band saw that my father gave me after he updated his. It was working for rough cuts. Never straight. I did buy a decent blade but none of the really expensive ones so that could be problem 1 or A. Recently it MOSTLY stopped working. When it started I cleaned it up, lubed/greased the bearings, and no dice! I can still technically "hand" start it with a piece of wood but that makes me quite uncomfortable, lets call the problem 2 or B. And all this just as I was trying to get into segmenting! I do have a cheap plastic band saw box that I have been using for trimming blanks and for two successful segments but they were not exactly safe as the blanks were held by hand as I hand sawed...wow I'm rambling let's get back to it.

So my questions are, if I don't do the Kickstarter or magically win the lottery without buying tickets, what would you do? Is it worth it to try and fix this band saw? Is there a way to do it? I know buying a new band saw opens a whole slew of questions of type and what not so I only kind of want to get into that (if anyone wants though I know searching the forums brings up a slew of answers so I'll still do that). To add to matters I don't really want to buy a cheap one when I do plan on buying a nice one after I get back from an upcoming time away. Again I'm rambling.

So long question short, fixing a cheap band saw, how and is it worth it? If it's not possible or worth it what are some decent/not expensive temporary solutions to get into segmenting (if there is such a thing)?

Thanks for following!
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
First question......How much to fix the old saw?
Second question.........How long will you use it?
Third Question.........How long will you be gone?
Fourth Question........Do you plan to get a new one when you get back?
Last question.........Can you do without a bandsaw till you return?

I am sure you can see where I am going. MY only comment to the problem. You can do better work with better (and maybe safer) tools.

Where ever you are going............Be Safe.
 
stonepecker said:
First question......How much to fix the old saw?
Second question.........How long will you use it?
Third Question.........How long will you be gone?
Fourth Question........Do you plan to get a new one when you get back?
Last question.........Can you do without a bandsaw till you return?

I am sure you can see where I am going. MY only comment to the problem. You can do better work with better (and maybe safer) tools.

Where ever you are going............Be Safe.
Click to expand...

First answer - I don't know (I know not helpful) as I'm not exactly band saw savy. I still have some digging/taking apart to do.
Second Answer - Until it completely breaks or I get so advanced that I need a way way way better band saw (probably a few days away at least!)
Third Answer - Around 6 months ish.
Fourth Answer - Only if the current one is unfixable or just plain unusable for segmenting.
Fifth Answer - I think so, well probably. This brings up one of the problems of the generation I am and more so the generations after me. I have a hard time waiting once I set out to do/try something, thank you internet and mega malls!

Safety is my primary concern and being able to do what I am attempting (still safely) is secondary. I still want to be able to use all my digits to teach my three young boys how to become young men and so on.

I will be safer than most. Thank you.
 
When I used a 9" saw I had that problem with it starting. It was usually the blade tension being off (too tight if I recall).

Hunt Craigslist for a 14" band saw. Ideally a delta (older can actually be better) or a jet or a grizzly. Or rikon but they aren't around used too much.

Any of the knockoffs can be made to be decent too. I have a used 14" craftsman professional and I completely happy with it for pen stuff. Not ideal for major resaw or big bowl blanks maybe. Other ones as they get less favorable reviews are ridged, then harbor firelight. Even the harbor freight can be tuned up to run decent.

A 12" may be fine for pen blanks and if you see a cheap delta 12" it may be worth considering but the 14" saws have tons of aftermarket parts / mods etc.
 
Last edited:
Dan Masshardt said:
When I used a 9" saw I had that problem with it starting. It was usually the blade tension being off (too tight if I recall).

Hunt Craigslist for a 14" band saw. Ideally a delta (older can actually be better) or a jet or a grizzly. Or rikon but they aren't around used too much.

Any of the knockoffs can be made to be decent too. I have a used 14" craftsman professional and I completely happy with it for pen stuff. Not ideal for major resaw or big bowl blanks maybe. Other ones as they get less favorable reviews are ridged, then harbor firelight. Even the harbor freight can be tuned up to run decent.

A 12" may be five for pen blanks and if you see a cheap delta 12" it may be worth considering but the 14" saws have tons of aftermarket parts / mods etc.
Click to expand...

Dan, as always great advice. I have been trolling Craigslist but generally get pretty lost on what is quality. Thanks for the guidance.

I did check the tension. I'll double check because if I remember if I loosened it more it didn't stay in the track. Don't quote me in that though I'll have to double check when I have time (hopefully this weekend when I work on my PITH pen).
 
Last edited:
If its coming off the wheel it's because of the top wheel adjustment. The other adjustment besides the tension. Adjust il that until the blade runs in the middle of the wheel. Make the tensions there bit on the loose side. Turn it on and tighten it until it feels good (if there is a tension guide on it, follow that). If you turn it off and then back on and it won't start, the tension is too tight. Back it off just a little at a time until it starts without 'help. It should work.

Also, look online at how to set the guides. Or I can tell you if you can't find it. If the guides aren't set correctly, you'll. never get a reliable cut.
 
Last edited:
Dan Masshardt said:
If its coming off the wheel it's because of the top wheel adjustment. The other adjustment besides the tension. Adjust il that until the blade runs in the middle of the wheel. Make the tensions there bit on the loose side. Turn it on and tighten it until it feels good (if there is a tension guide on it, follow that). If you turn it off and then back on and it won't start, the tension is too tight. Back it off just a little at a time until it starts without 'help. It should work.

Also, look online at how to set the guides. Or I can tell you if you can't find it. If the guides aren't set correctly, you'll. never get a reliable cut.
Click to expand...

Noted. And I will do all this the second I get some shop time! Thanks Dan. I'm sure I'll just bring my phone out and follow some guide from there. If I can't find one I'll let you know.
 
Often there is a capacitor on these motors as it gets weak it may give the motor trouble starting as the motor does not know which way to turn. They only cost 5-10 bucks. So if it has one throw it away and get another. It must be the same rating as the old one on the small number. The number will be printed on it. The bigger number is fine if it is bigger. Example the old one might say 10x370 the new one might say 10x440 that is fine the second number will not effect what you are doing. The first number must match or you will toast the motor.
Next thought in relation to what you said.
How to get a good used band saw or table saw or chop saw or lathe or etc.
I happen to do a two hour radio show on home repair and home improvement. Not that I know all I should. I told you that to tell you this. Many older women call the show and ask what they can do with there husbands old tools. For example a few weeks ago I had a very nice lady who is 89 and her husband is 91 call the show. I had to go see her because she seemed so in need. I went to her home and she had all of the above and much much more. Mostly craftsman. 5 palm sanders, compressor. The whole bunch and more. The problem for me is I would like to buy it to help her out but what do I do with it all. I have a day job. ( And already have most of those tools) Movers would cost around 1,000 and then what do I do with the stuff. I am not sure what it is all worth. So what I am saying is look for some really nice old people who need the help. Many of them have old tools. The proper price needs to be paid for the stuff. But what is the price of a 1960 craftsman table saw, that I in good shape but well used. What is he price of the 1963 craftsman 14 inch band saw, good condition but well used. Or the craftsman radial arm saw. If any on can help me with what to do please let me know. It is all still at there home. The sad part is the man mostly forgets he has any tools, and you can see it was a big part of his life. It is tough to buy a mans tools who is still alive even if he forgets.
 
It really sounds like you have plenty of time to not hurry this decision. If you are going to be gone for 6 months let it sit. Watch some youtube videos about how to tune up your saw. It is the same procedure for a more expensive saw by the way. You can get the best saw that money can buy but it will only cut as well as it is tuned up. An older saw that is tuned up right will out cut a fancy saw that is out of tune.
 
Patience grass hopper. You do not have to be a victim of your generation. You are choosing a hobby that requires patience and, if you let it, it will teach it to you. You will be gone for 6ish months, put everything on hold until you get back. While you are gone, if possible (you are being very secretive) do some research do some reading, and slow down. I suggest: The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing, and A Cabinetmaker's Notebook both by James Krenov. Winnie the Pooh, and the Tao of Pooh are great too.

Don't hurry, you have time. In the meantime work on fixing the band saw you have. These are some really simple machines. If I can get mine running you can get yours.
 
Last edited:
I agree with you all. Patience is something I have been lacking lately and something I need a lot of (need to find) especially with the three young ones. I will take a look at the Band Saw and see what I can do. If I remember my dad said it was on its way out when he gave it to me but who knows. Again why I come here, you guys give great advice and so far have helped temper me wanting to sell blood or a limb or half a liver for some new tools!

Not trying to be secretive some things I can't say. But I can say I'm going to Afghanistan late in the year. Not with a unit just me and 3 others. While there I'm unlikely to have internet connection often and what I do have would be spent contacting my wife and kids.
 
You can also watch the "For Sale" signs on houses in your area and just knock on the door and ask if they have any tools that they will not be taking with them when they move. I got a 1980 14" Delta clone with a 1 hp motor for $300 from a fellow about a block from my house. The saw was in good condition but I still took everything apart, installed new tires, bearings, guides and a riser kit that I found on Amazon for $35.00. I took my time and got everything lined up according to bandsaw tuneup tutorials and now have a 14" bandsaw that will resaw 12" with no trouble at all for a total cost of about $550 not including blades. Like others have stated "Patience", the bargins are there if you take the time to look.
 
Man this all sounds like actual work! Pretty soon you'll probably have me actually pull out a dictionary and look up the word patience!

Anyways. Keep 'em coming. This is all great advice. Now to get the kids to cooperate long enough to allow my patient wife to come help with the bandsaw!
 
jyreene said:
Man this all sounds like actual work! Pretty soon you'll probably have me actually pull out a dictionary and look up the word patience!

Anyways. Keep 'em coming. This is all great advice. Now to get the kids to cooperate long enough to allow my patient wife to come help with the bandsaw!
Click to expand...

I've got three kiddos too. What a handful. :-)
 
If you do decide to replace it, can I suggest you check into an old delta? Mine is 70 years old, and works better than my modern one. You can often pick one up for under a hundred dollars. They are built so much better than the modern ones, and if cared for will still be running for your grandkids. I inherited mine from my dad who got it from his dad...
 
sbwertz said:
If you do decide to replace it, can I suggest you check into an old delta? Mine is 70 years old, and works better than my modern one. You can often pick one up for under a hundred dollars. They are built so much better than the modern ones, and if cared for will still be running for your grandkids. I inherited mine from my dad who got it from his dad...
Click to expand...

That's pretty much the goal. Plus it goes in line with the delta lathe, drill press, extraction system, and grinder...wow. I sound like a commercial for them!

But then there's that while patience thing! Must look that word up soon.
 
sbwertz said:
If you do decide to replace it, can I suggest you check into an old delta? Mine is 70 years old, and works better than my modern one. You can often pick one up for under a hundred dollars. They are built so much better than the modern ones, and if cared for will still be running for your grandkids. I inherited mine from my dad who got it from his dad...
Click to expand...

Agree wholeheartedly about these saws. I once had one (before turning) and didn't really use it and unfortunately sold it. . Mistake!

Disagree wholeheartedly (In My Area!!!) about finding them for $100. I would now buy as many old delta 14" bandsaws as I could find at $100 each.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom